By:STEVE GROGAN
The 100th anniversary of the Lynbrook Volunteer Fire Department will be commemorated this weekend when the department hosts the New York State Old Fashioned Tournament, followed by a huge parade of fire departments and bands on Saturday, June 30.
According to Lynbrook Fire Department spokesperson, Ex-Captain Steve Grogan, the tournament will begin on Saturday at 8 a.m. in Greis Park. Approximately 20 teams will be competing for trophies in old-fashion running-hose and ladder-climbing events. Because this is the New York State Tournament, the teams will attempt to break existing state records in these events. The tournament will end in the late afternoon.
At 6 p.m., a parade led by the Lynbrook Fire Department and followed by nearly 30 other Long Island fire departments from as far away as Southampton will march from McDonald's down Merrick Road to Wright Avenue to Greis Park. At the park, a block party will be held. Trophies for the best appearing fire department, ladies auxiliary and junior fire department will be awarded during the evening. Entertainment and refreshments will also be available at the park.
Lynbrook Fire Chief John Matzen said, "I am very proud to lead this fine group of dedicated men and women volunteers, especially on this very important occasion. Our Lynbrook volunteers have been protecting this village for 100 years. All of them that served throughout the department's history should be remembered for their commitment to this village and its residents. I would hope that our residents come out on Saturday to support their volunteers."
Ex-Captain Edward Murphy, Chairman of the 100th Anniversary Committee said, "On Saturday this department will commemorate 100 years of volunteer service with the New York State Tournament and a parade. I hope that Lynbrook residents will show their support for our volunteers who put their lives on the line for this community every day of the week."
Murphy also wanted to warn residents that parking in and around Greis Park on Saturday will be very limited due to the competition at the park and because there will be no parking on Wright Avenue due to the parade. He also said that the area from Merrick Road to Peninsula Boulevard and between Ocean Avenue and Remson Street will be closed on Saturday afternoon so that the approximately 30 departments marching can line up for the 6 o'clock parade.
According to Grogan, Lynbrook residents can watch the village's TV station, Channel 70, which will air a fire department show continually all this week until Sunday, July 1 Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato discusses the 100th Anniversary and the events of June 30 with Chief Matzen and Ex-Captain Murphy. At the end of the program, vintage and more recent videos of the Lynbrook Fire Department in action will be aired.
(BEGIN ITAL) Ex-Captain Steve Grogan currently serves as the Lynbrook Fire Department's official spokesperson.
On Saturday June 30, the following roads will be closed between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. because of the Lynbrook Fire Department's 100th anniversary parade:
1. Merrick Rd. between Horton Ave. and Ocean Ave.
2. Peninsula Blvd., north of Sunrise Hwy.
3. Hempstead Ave.
Motorists are encouraged to take an alternate route. Heavy traffic and delays are expected to occur in the area, especially on Sunrise Hwy and Ocean Ave.
